“If we’ve got a derailment, say a freight train that derailed on our track, we don’t know if there is spillage, chemical,” said Baran. “So instead of sending someone in the field we can send a drone pilot with a drone, keep them far away from the crash site and they can fly the drone safely over that. We can collect information without endangering anybody.”

A Keolis drone. (WBZ-TV)

Baran says the drone footage can be watched from a Keolis crisis room and eventually live streamed so that experts in other cities and watch and help Keolis during emergencies.

Keolis is planning on purchasing a second, much more advanced drone called “The Elios.”

This model would allow them to fly through tunnels and other areas along the commuter rail where they currently cannot safely fly. The agency currently has two certified drone pilots but is hoping to have a total of seven by next year.

Keolis is also working with MassDOT and the MBTA to help them incorporate drones into their operations.